Cast contract negotiations could delay ‘The Big Bang Theory’ production schedule

Dragging contract negotiations with the cast of The Big Bang Theory is threatening to delay the production schedule.

Production is due to begin for the fall season on July 30, but Warner Bros. TV is currently mired in another round of contract negotiations with the show's stars, Deadline reports.

Newer cast members Mayim Bialik and Melissa Rauch already have contracts in place, but the original cast of Johnny Galecki, Simon Helberg, Kaley Cuoco, Jim Parsons and Kunal Nayyar do not.

Their previous contract, negotiated back in 2010, paid them $350,000 an episode, plus a .25 percent of the series' backend. They likely will get paid much more as the show continues to be quite popular, with the show possibly raking in $3 billion for Warner Bros. TV.

Though contract negotiations have been slow, it is believed that the planned hour-long Sept. 22 episode could still be completed in time provided there isn't too much of a holdup.

The double-sized episode is the only one CBS really likely is worried about since the rest of the season won't premiere until the end of October, when the rest of the network's Thursday night lineup debuts.

Parsons likely could be in for a big payday, as he was nominated for yet another Emmy award last week, along with Bialik.

Back in March, Big Bang was renewed for three more seasons.

Cast contract negotiations could delay 'The Big Bang Theory' production schedule